Mikel Arteta makes 'unbelievable' Arsenal transfer admission after Matheus Cunha boost

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that the club could make a move in the January transfer market if an “something unbelievable” opportunity arises. This comes as Arsenal’s star winger, Bukayo Saka, is set to be sidelined for “more than two months” following surgery on a torn hamstring.

Wolves’ forward Matheus Cunha, who has netted 10 goals in 19 Premier League matches this season, has been identified as a potential replacement. When questioned about the possibility of reinforcements due to Saka’s injury, Arteta confirmed that Arsenal are “ready” to act.

He said: “Well, my focus honestly now is just about within the squad the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can.

“We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”

In what is a boost for Arsenal, Cunha has avoided a lengthy suspension after his altercation with an Ipswich staff member, which could have jeopardised his chances of a January transfer if he was sidelined for a while.

The Brazilian has been fined £80,000 and banned for two games, but will only miss one league match against Nottingham Forest, as his ban also covers Wolves’ FA Cup tie with Bristol City.

Wolves are determined to keep hold of the 25-year-old, with Mirror Football reporting that the club do not want to sell him mid-season unless a substantial offer comes in. With Wolves hovering just above the relegation zone, new manager Vitor Pereira has made it clear that Cunha’s presence is crucial for their survival bid.

After Wolves’ victory over Manchester United on Boxing Day, Pereira praised Cunha on Amazon Prime, saying: “He is a special player. He can do things that can make the difference in small details. Matheus Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league.”

Addressing the possibility of Cunha’s departure, Pereira added: “I hope not, I hope not because we need him. He’s come here with a lot of energy. He said to us it’s been his dream for 18 years to come here and manage a team in the Premier League.

“You can see the impact, you can see the energy, how he can teach us things on the pitch. I think he can help everyone show what we can do.”